Community Corner

YMCA Launches Healthy Living Program for People 50 and Older

Adults 50 years and older comprise more than 30 percent of the US population, and by 2015, they are expected to represent 45 percent of Americans.

The YMCA and Pfizer Inc have launched 50 MOVING FORWARD, a healthy living plan designed to motivate adults 50 years and older with fresh ideas that experts say are crucial to healthy aging: physical activity and preventive measures like screenings and vaccinations, healthy eating and social interaction.

Those who want practical information, tips and activities that will help them build a healthier future can enroll for free in person at either the Crescenta-Cañada or Verdugo Hills Family YMCA, according to a press release from the Y. You may also enroll online at YMCA.net/50MovingForward.

“Adults 50 years and older are the fastest growing age group at the Y, so it’s important that we offer resources geared toward this population. 50 MOVING FORWARD does exactly that in an environment that allows adults to focus on health, fitness, preventive measures and fun,” Rosanne Malogolowkin, executive director at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA, said in a prepared statement.

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“50 MOVING FORWARD offers interesting and motivating activities that enhance the physical, mental and social well-being of adults 50 and older.”

50 MOVING FORWARD: A Wide-Ranging Approach for a Growing, Aging Population Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than 30 percent of the US population, and by 2015, they are expected to represent 45 percent of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic disease. That’s why the Y, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to improving the nation’s health, teamed up with Pfizer, with its health care expertise, to develop 50 MOVING FORWARD. Together, they are working with older adults to help them address their health and well-being.

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50 MOVING FORWARD goes beyond the basic tenets of healthy eating and physical activity and highlights the importance of helping prevent health problems before they arise through screenings and vaccinations, and the health benefits of staying socially active and connected, the release states. One of the most beneficial things people can do is take steps to prevent illness. Even those who already practice healthy habits should be aware of things that may affect their health because as people age, their immune systems naturally begin to weaken.

While it’s important to eat well and be active, 50 MOVING FORWARD urges individuals to talk with their health care provider about getting regular health screenings and keeping vaccinations current. Every year, hundreds of thousands of American adults are hospitalized from diseases such as influenza, shingles and pneumococcus that could have been prevented by vaccination.

“Taking good care of my health has always been an important part of my life,” Andy Beattie, a 50 MOVING FORWARD participant from the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA said in the news release.

“But 50 MOVING FORWARD has boosted my motivation and given me guidance on how to develop and keep healthy habits, like eating food that’s better for me, being more physically active, asking my doctor about screenings and vaccines and enjoying my community of family and friends.” 

50 MOVING FORWARD: Journey to a Healthier Future 
Whether those 50 years and older are just getting started or are already practicing healthy habits, 50 MOVING FORWARD will help adults overcome barriers to making healthy lifestyle choices. Participants can enroll: 
• In person at either the Crescenta-Cañada or Verdugo Hills Family YMCA where they can join in wellness events and activity classes designed for adults 50 years and older 
• Online at YMCA.net/50MovingForward, where they can opt-in to receive e-mails providing information, tips, patient/health care provider discussion guides and activities that can be incorporated anywhere, anytime

The YMCA of the Foothills is one of 25 across the country that will offer specially designed 
50 MOVING FORWARD weekly wellness events, classes and workshops. Both YMCA members and nonmembers are invited to join 50 MOVING FORWARD for free. A full calendar of events is available at www.ymcafoothills.org. 50 MOVING FORWARD events include: 
• Weekly Walking Club on Wednesday mornings 
• Group walk to farmer’s market 
• Fun night at the CV Dog Park

For more information, contact us at: 
1930 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 
818-790-0123 
www.ymcafoothills.org


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